By Judy Newell

Mexico News

Whale Lands on Boat

Local officials in Ahome, Mexico, have warned boat operators carrying tourists to keep their distance from migrating whales off the coast. It comes after a whale landed on top of a boat, badly damaging it and injuring all four people onboard. 

One was seriously injured. The roof collapsed and the boat had to be towed back.

The port authority in Topolobampo Bay ordered boat operators to keep a safe distance from the mammals. The region is noted as a place for whale watching with migrating humpback and blue whales. 

It was the first incident of its kind in the bay, but similar to one which occurred last month in La Paz, Baja California Sur, that injured five people.

International News

Discover the Colorful Pushkar Fair

The Pushkar fair offers a wonderful glimpse of the rich culture, tradition, rural lifestyle, traditional folk dance, and handicrafts of Rajasthan, India. The grand occasion of the Pushkar festival is definitely a priceless treat and you can marvel at the colors of Rajasthani culture by visiting the Pushkar fair on the November 2, 2022 departure.

Scheduled departures are May 17—November 22, 2022.  Land only prices from US$629 per person, based on double occupancy.  Land and international air from US$1,299, with roundtrip air from New York.  Departures from many U.S. gateways; ask for rates.

Cruise News

All of 2022 Princess Cruises on Sale 

If you’re itching to sail this year, this offer from Princess Cruises is tailor-made for you. Enjoy up to 40 percent off on all 2022 cruises and cruisetours to any place Princess sails through June 14, 2022. And for select 2022 voyages, you can also get US$50 onboard spending money per guest.

This sale applies to May 2022 through December 2022 sailings and includes Alaska, Europe, the Caribbean, California Coast, Mexico, Hawaii, Panama Canal, Canada, and New England.

Did you know that active, veteran, and retired military personnel can enjoy up to US$250 in free onboard spending money on any Princess cruise, any time of the year? It’s the best military offer in the industry. 

Deal of the Week

Africa on Sale

Make sure you book your trip by June 10th to take advantage of this sale and save US$400! International flights from U.S. and Canadian gateways included.

Whether you prefer to see ancient treasures, fascinating imperial cities, or powerful predators roaming around their natural habitats, the choice is yours to make, and the options are endless with these incredible tours to Africa!

Treasures of Morocco
Casablanca-Meknes-Fez-Rabat-Marrakech-Casablanca                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        9 Days. From: US$1899 $1469, CAD$2469 $1910 

• Admire the awe-inspiring architecture and bustling districts of Casablanca
• Discover the fascinating mosques, mausoleums, and madrasas in Fez
• Visit the Royal Palace and the Mausoleum of Mohammed in Rabat
• Explore the breathtaking culture and historical attractions of Marrakech
• Taste traditional delicacies as you explore the vibrant culture of Morocco

Discover Tunisia
Tunis-Hammamet-Kairouan-Tozeur-Chott Djerid-Douz-Matmata-El Djem-Sousse-Tunis
16 Days. From: US$2199 $1763, CAD$2859 $2292 

• Discover the Islamic architecture and the famous ruins of Carthage
• Take the opportunity to admire the engineering site of the Aghlabid basin
• Visit a troglodyte house in Matmata, where the movie «Star Wars» was filmed
• Lay back on the beach and wander around the port of El Kantaoui
• Admire the architectural beauty of the Great Mosque of Kairouan

Absolute Egypt
Cairo-Aswan-Kom Ombo-Edfu-Luxor-Hurghada-Cairo
13 Days. From: US$2899 $2449, CAD$3769 $3184 

• See the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx, one of the Seven Wonders of the World
• Cruise along the Nile River and explore some of the ancient Egyptian sites
• Uncover the extraordinary Temples of Karnak, dating back to over 3,000 years
• Bask in the beauty of the well-preserved Temple of Edfu
• Visit Hurghada, where you can go scuba diving, snorkeling, and on desert safaris

Jewels of South Africa
Johannesbug-Victoria Falls-Kruger National Park-Cape Town
12 Days. From: US$3399 $2939, CAD$4419 $3821 

• Visit Johannesburg, the largest «dry spot» in the world

Admire the beauty of Victoria Falls, one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World

• See hippos, alligators, and more with a cruise on the Zambezi River
• Spot Africa’s Big Five with a safari drive through Kruger NP
• Choose to uncover the natural beauty and legendary attractions of Cape Town

Amazing Tanzania
Arusha-Lake Mangara-Serengetu NP-Ngorongoro Crater-Tarangire NP-Arusha
9 Days.  From: US$4899 $4409, CAD$6369 $5732 

• Travel to Arusha, a wonderful place to learn about local African tribes
• Discover the largest concentrations of baboons in Lake Manyara NP
• Search for the African Big Five in world-famous Serengeti National Park
• Explore the Ngorongoro Crater, a beautiful wildlife haven
• Head on a game drive and see the Tree of Life in Tarangire National Park

Judy Newell, an international travel consultant for 50+ years, heads Perfect Journeys and specializes in unique travel experiences to destinations around the world.  She custom designs journeys that are tailored to suit client’s interests, physical abilities, and budgets. Please contact Judy for further information on Travel News topics, Mexico and international travel. Cell phone 415 111 8765, Vonage 949 300 3682; email judynewell@perfectjourneys.net. Her office is in Rancho Los Labradores on the highway to Dolores Hidalgo.

Sources: Travel Mole, Indus Travels, Princess Cruises